By Sandi Barrett
Contributing Writer
REGION – Monday, April 20, is the official celebration of Patriots’ Day for 2026. This historic day is a linchpin in Massachusetts’ 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth. Originally a Massachusetts holiday, it is now celebrated in Maine, Connecticut, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Florida, and North Dakota.
The day commemorates the opening salvo in the conflict of the American Revolutionary War. The renowned “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired on April 19, 1775. Lexington and Concord are the central players in this iconic battle between the Colonial minutemen and the British soldiers, but fun holiday festivities can be found across the Commonwealth in addition to those at Minute Man National Park. All would be great for a family celebration of the holiday with grown children or grandchildren.
Holiday origins
In 1894, Governor Frederic T. Greenhalge set the first Patriots’ Day, bringing Lexington Day and Concord Day into one unified celebration. The purpose of this celebration is to commemorate the early battles and the midnight ride of Paul Revere.
Patriots’ Day was celebrated on April 19 until 1969 when the state legislature voted to make the holiday a floating day falling on the third Monday in April, creating a three-day weekend.
The Boston Marathon
Traditionally falling on Patriots’ Day is the Boston Marathon, world renowned marathon attracting elite world-class runners from many countries. The race begins on Main Street in Hopkinton and traverses several cities and towns along the 26.2-mile route, ending at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.
Photo/Wikimedia Commons
On a beautiful spring day upwards of 500,000 people line the race route beginning in Hopkinton, then on to Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, finishing in Boston. Some of the most popular viewing spots, besides the start and finish, are Wellesley’s “Scream Tunnel” and Heartbreak Hill in Newton. You can find easier access and parking if you choose a viewing spot away from these popular locations.
On a beautiful spring day upwards of 500,000 people line the race route beginning in Hopkinton, then on to Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, finishing in Boston. Some of the most popular viewing spots, besides the start and finish, are Wellesley’s “Scream Tunnel” and Heartbreak Hill in Newton. You can find easier access and parking if you choose a viewing spot away from these popular locations.
Concord, Lexington, and Arlington celebrations
The largest battle at the beginning of the war was in the colonial town of Menotomy, current day Arlington. Militia from Middlesex and Essex Counties took up covered fighting positions along Concord Road between Lexington and Concord and Boston. Hiding behind trees, stone walls, and buildings, these men ambushed the British troops as they retreated to Boston. One infamous battle took place at the Jason Russell House in Arlington. You can tour the home where this bloody skirmish took place outside and inside the home. The Battle of Menotomy reenactment will take place on April 20 around the Jason Russel House between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Photo/Wikimedia Commons
On April 19, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Menotomy Beer Hall in Arlington is the spot to celebrate the ride of Paul Revere and William Dawes with live music, local craft beverages and hearty grub. On April 21, a reenactment of the ride of Revere and Dawes will take place at Arlington Town Hall.
In Lexington an exclusive VIP experience to Paul Revere’s ride will be hosted at the Hancock-Clark House on April 17. Limited to 40 participants, the $250 per person event includes a pre-show reception, and a ticket to Buckman Tavern, Munroe Tavern, and the Depot Museum. Additionally, guests will have a photo opportunity with Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and other period actors.
In Concord, the April 20 Patriots’ Day parade and celebration details are still taking shape, but check the Concordma.gov webpage for up-to-the-minute details.
On Sunday, April 19, at 5:45 a.m. in Concord, the muster at Buttrick Hillside, near the North Bridge, sets the ominous tone for the weekend. The muster is followed by the dawn salute at 6:00 a.m. The star of the dawn salute is “Dr. Prescott” who rides across the fields warning the British are coming, followed by a muster salute.
Boston Red Sox game
On Monday, April 20, the Red Sox take on the Detroit Tigers, with the first pitch at 11:10 a.m. The team will give away Red Sox windbreakers to the first 7,500 game day tickets scanned. Since 1959, the Sox have taken to the diamond, with the exception of a few rain-outs, for an early game, giving fans the opportunity to take in a great ball game and have a peek at the Boston Marathon.
Photo/Wikimedia Commons/Victor Grigas
Pro tips to remember:
- There will be road closures and parking bans due to events
- Arrive to reenactments and parades early for best viewing
- Buy tickets early, ticketed events can sell out
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